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Itineraries

Below you'll find three itineraries which may prove useful for you and your group when you come to the town. Whether you'd like to indulge in some retail therapy, visit our stunning coastline or spend some time in our beautiful parks and gardens, there's sure to be something to suit.

First Class Shopping - full day

Lord Street has almost a mile of canopied shopping with a fabulous choice of quality stores and Victorian arcades full of unexpected finds. Stroll along this beautiful boulevard with its numerous gardens and bandstand, and you'll soon find out why Southport is referred to as the 'Paris of the North'. Wayfarers Arcade with its stunning vaulted glass ceiling is full of unique boutique style shops, and further along Lord Street is the Royal Arcade, a must for any antique and collectable lovers.

Just a few moments walk from Lord Street will bring you to Chapel Street, newly pedestrianised and bursting with life with all your high street stores close to hand. Both Marble Place and Cambridge Walks can be found here and off Chapel Street are Tulketh Street and Wesley Street, again offering their own unique style of shopping. After lunch, you can make your way to Eastbank Street, Market Street and King Street, where Southport's indoor market hall can be found.

Finding somewhere for lunch won't be a problem either, as Southport offers over 200 eateries, from traditional fish & chips to the very finest cuisine. Take a little time out and maybe sit outside at one of the many continental style pavement cafes, while planning the rest of your day.

After a reviving cup of tea, why not visit Ocean Plaza or Central 12, both within easy walking distance of the town centre and packed with even more branded shops. And, if you've still got enough time, Kew Retail Park on the outskirts of the town, is where you'll find a great selection of DIY and lifestyle stores.

Coastal Pleasures

Why not start the day by taking a stroll along Southport's famous Pier - or for those who prefer to travel in style, the Pier Tram provides a relaxing alternative. However you get there, the Pavilion at the end of the Pier features an exhibition on the history of the Pier and the local natural habitat as well as offering spectacular views across the Irish Sea and Fylde Coast

After spending some time on the Pier, Southport Beach is an ideal way to sit for a while and soak up some sun. We have some of the most beautiful beaches in the North West, with miles of golden sand and fantastic dunes just waiting to be explored by the more adventurous visitor.

All this fresh air means that lunch will probably be next on your list and Southport's seafront is within easy walking distance of the town centre. Here you'll find an array of local pubs, cafes and restaurants, catering for every taste and budget - you'll be spoilt for choice.

With lunch finished, a trip to Ainsdale Discovery Centre is just what you need to help the food go down. The Centre is adjacent to the nature reserve and provides all the family with informative displays about local facilities, wildlife and history. The Ainsdale & Birkdale Sandhills Local Nature Reserve is a peaceful haven for some of the best sand dune wildlife in Britain including the endangered Natterjack Toad and Sand Lizard.

A little further to the South, will bring you to the town of Crosby - home to Antony Gormley's 'Another Place'. These life size iron men - 100 in total - stand staring out to sea and are a much talked about visitor attraction.

Parks and Gardens

Just a couple of miles to the north of Southport brings you to Churchtown, the oldest part of Southport. This delightful village is packed with quaint, thatched cottages and a great variety of shops, cafes & tea-rooms, 2 pubs, a beautiful church and not forgetting the village green!

Churchtown is also home to the Botanic Gardens, a stunning park with award winning floral displays, a free to enter museum, pets corner, cafe and fernery. Why not hire a boat and go for a meander across the lake, or just take time to feed the families of ducks who make their home here. The museum is full of fascinating local history about the town, from the first tiny settlement nestling in the dunes, to the bustling and vibrant resort Southport is today.

After spending some time in the gardens, you'll be sure to find something of interest in the village, but only after you've taken time to enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many eating establishments! From traditional pub lunches to fine dining, Churchtown has it all.

The journey back to the town centre will bring you to Hesketh Park, another award winning garden. Again, you'll find stunning floral displays and hidden nature walks - an ideal way to spend an hour or so, and there's also a large boating lake, children's play area and café

The town centre can also boast some impressive gardens as well. Lord Street is famous for it's small town centre gardens - complete with plenty of shaded seating for a quiet moment out of the sun. Kings Gardens border the Marine Lake - ideal for a picnic, and Victoria Park offers both secluded wooded areas and wide open lawns.